For information on the Forsyth or Alpharetta access points to the greenway, visit their respective websites:
Whether it's inline skating, biking or a heart-pumping jog you seek, the six-mile stretch at Big Creek Greenway is just the right distance with a scenic view of North Fulton's greenest areas.
The path runs in two separate sections through parts of Cumming, Alpharetta and Roswell, with plans underway to connect each section to allow visitors to travel the full length of the trail within the next two to three years.
No matter what brings you to the trail, here are a few tips to make sure you're getting the most out of your visit:
1. Enjoy the view
At its core, Big Creek Greenway is a natural wilderness preserve. That means you may spot ducks, beavers, deer, and various other forms of wildlife on your journey. Despite the fact that certain sections are near Ga. 400, Mike Perry, Recreation and Parks director in Alpharetta, said that you would never know it based on how quiet it is on the Greenway. "You can be in any of the parking lots and not even realize you're beside the highway, it's so quiet," Perry said.
For nature enthusiasts, the Greenway may be an ideal location for scoping out your favorite wildlife.
2. Know the rules
Like most parks, Big Creek Greenway has a list of park, safety and etiquette rules. Here are a few of the highlights:
- In general, no smoking, littering, or alcohol drinks are allowed and the trail is open during daylight hours only.
- For pet lovers, be sure to keep your pet on a leash and clean up after them if they're joining you on the trail.
- For bikers and skaters, helmets are required and you must also abide by the 10 mph speed limit. ("It's not designed for the speed biker," Perry said.)
Abiding by these rules should help your trip go smoothly. Visit the Greenway website to read the rest of the rules before you head out.
3. Rent a bike
Alpharetta recently implemented a bike share system for its section of the Greenway. There are three bike stations set up near the Greenway entrances and one close to the Avalon shopping center. Each station has four bikes available.
The system is operated by a company called Zagster with an app that allows you to simply click a button to start and end your rental. The first three hours are free. From there, you pay $2 per hour up to $24 per ride. You also have the option of paying for an annual membership at $20 per year. "Just bring a helmet!" Perry said.
Bikes can be rented at the following locations:
- Big Creek Greenway at North Point, 6698 North Point Parkway, Alpharetta
- Rock Mill Park, 3100 Kimball Bridge Road, Alpharetta
- Alpharetta YMCA, 3655 Preston Ridge Road, Alpharetta
- Avalon, Central Parking Deck, Alpharetta
Here's a good tip list on other places to rent bikes.
4. Know the access points
Depending on your workout goals, it's important to choose the Greenway access point that will allow you to go the full distance you're aiming for. The Big Creek Greenway website offers maps to help you pick the best starting point. Keep in mind, the trail is linear, so you can go as far as you'd like – just save enough energy to go back! Here is a list of the current access points:
Forsyth County
- 5120 Bethelview Road, Cumming – Parking and bathrooms
- 4110 Carolene Way, Cumming – Fowler Park – Parking and bathrooms (Follow the signs inside the park.)
Fulton County
- McFarland Parkway, Alpharetta – East of Ga. 400 – Parking for about 50 vehicles and portable bathrooms
- 5259 Union Hill Road, Alpharetta – Parking for about 25 vehicles and bathrooms
About the Author
